This is so named because in the corridor of the upper story of the building is a huge polychrome sculpture of the figure of a soldier. The significance of this figure and why it was placed here are unknown. However it is certain that whoever constructed this mansion was a person with good taste and good humor to have decorated the house with such an artistic but useless figure. The beautiful, manorial design and elegant Corinthian style in the rest of its architecture, as well as its well-preserved state, make this one one of the most beautiful colonial jewels of the city. The Baron of Humboldt stayed here in the 18th century, on his way to the recently born volcano Jorullo.
Casa del gigante, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
This building is located in the main plaza. It was given this name due to the fact that the arcade supporting it is much lower that those surrounding it. The entry is formed by thick trunks of wood supporting a horizontal beam on which rests the edifice. It must be noted that the arcade did not always appear as “dwarf” as it does now, because the level of the plaza and the street were later raised. This is apparent if we observe the enormous disproportion that exists between the first and second stories of the house. It actually appears to have a cellar.
Casa del portal chaparro, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
The only derivative religious institution of Santo Domingo that existed in Pátzcuaro was this one. A convent was established halfway trough the 18th century in the place that belonged according to was the hospital of Santa Marta. This house exhibits great splendor. It boasts capitals, arches, richly carved architraves, with keystones in its center. In addition it contains a highly interesting bath, with an extremely rich Baroque portal. This bath is of incomparable value if we take into account the scarcity of places designed for this use in those days. This is a beautiful and elegant building, perhaps the most evocative in Pátzcuaro. At present, the edifice houses the shops and studios of many regional artisans. A visit is very important if you want visit with the artisans as they produce their beautiful crafts.
Casa de los once patios, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
We are referring to the several titles that have been given to this edifice, according to the original concept in which the Purhépechas needed both material and spiritual assistance. “Tata” Vasco was already bishop when he founded this hospital between 1536 and 1540, and it had the same functions as the Santa Fe de México and the Santa Fe de la Laguna hospitals. On the east side of this building, opposite the collegial church, stands a lovely arcade that defines Lerín street. North of this arcade is located a sunken fountain that dates from the construction of the main building. The Virgin of Health was located here for 191 years, until 1908 when she was transferred to the Basílica.
Templo del sagrario, Pátzcuaro, MIchoacán, México.
This is located at the intersection of Ibarra and Codallos Streets. It opened its doors in 1545, together with the temple of the convent of San Francisco, forming part of the hospital which has now disappeared. Christian doctrine was taught there and holy sacraments were administered. Natives were charged with cleaning, maintaining and decorating the church when necessary. The objective of this hospital was similar to that of the hospital of Santa Marta, founded by Vasco de Quiroga and was, in turn, later imitated by the hospital of Santa Catarina, founded by the natives in the neighborhood of San Agustín.
El Hospitalito, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
Pátzcuaro was one of the first places where the Franciscans established themselves inside the lacustrine zone, due to its importance as an Hispanic population center. We do not know the exact date of the founding of the convent, but the Franciscan’s own historians affirm that this was the fifth convent of the province of Michoacán, established by brother Martin de la Coruña, one of the first twelve Franciscans to arrive in New Spain. However, is known that it was already here when Vasco de Quiroga moved the Episcopal see of Tzintzuntzan to Pátzcuaro, and therefore assumed to be the oldest convent and temple in the city.
Templo de san Francisco, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
This is located at number 16 Ponce de León Street. It calls attention to itself mainly by the marks on its doors, which are very well-worn from use. In this house was the royal customhouse, which was verified by a little label, half-erased by time, that was legible among the decorations of the smaller door. Unfortunately this label was stolen, depriving the public of an important piece of information.
Casa de la Real Aduana.Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
The religious members of the hospitable order of San Juan de Dios founded its conjoint church (temple, hospital, schooll and convent) in this city in 1672. Halfway trough the 18th century, don Pedro de Ibarra, a prominent member of the community, left a large sum of money and several pieces of real estate for the maintenance of the hospital, which still exists (although with other sources of income), and is now known as the Dr. Gabriel García civilian hospital.
Templo de san Juan de Dios, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.